Hello again!
This week brought forth a challenging chapter in my life as my mom was diagnosed with her second fight against cancer — this time, breast cancer.
The news was a stark reminder of the fears we face and the strength required to overcome them. It compelled me to reflect on the strategies shared in this newsletter, realizing their profound relevance not only in my own life but also for each of you.
In sharing this personal narrative, my hope is to embrace connection and understanding. As HR professionals, we navigate the complexities of human experiences daily.
Let us draw strength from our shared journey, using these strategies not only to excel in our careers but to find resilience in the face of personal challenges.
FEAR — DON’T LET IT DEFINE YOU!
Fear gets the best of us, whether it is fear of failure, fear of success, or even fear of fear.
All of us have experienced fear at some point in our lives, and it can be a real stumbling block that holds us back from being truly successful.
As HR professionals, navigating through these fears is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Fear can wrap its ugly tentacles around you and hold you back forever, but you need to stand up to it and not let it — this is your life to live!
There are several ways to overcome fear; here are my top 9:
1. SEPARATE REALITY FROM PERCEPTION
Ask yourself what is really going on, locate the facts, and place them over your feelings.
2. IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER
Pinpoint the specific triggers in a situation that trigger you. Learning to identify them will help you learn to combat them effectively — hint: there is usually more than one.
3. KNOW WHERE FEAR LIVES IN YOUR BODY
Manifestations of fear vary, and it affects different people in different ways. A lot of times, fear takes over physically.
Identify if/how it affects your body and do the work to take care of your body. For example, if you hold stress in your back, you can learn stretches, foam rolling, etc., to avoid the pain.
When I was in the throws of burnout, my fear resulted in debilitating pain that was a constant. This fear resulted in a strained relationship at home, reduced quality of work, revolving questions about my career path, and much more. Recognizing this and putting myself first was the first step to overcoming this.
4. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Cultivate a positive mindset through daily gratitude. Every day, list out 1 — 3 things you are thankful for.
It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, gratitude helps shift the mind into a positive light, which overtime, overcomes fear.
5. LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE
Monitor your inner conversations — we tend to be our own worst critics.
If you wouldn’t say it to a friend or a loved one, don’t say it to yourself. Speak positively to yourself and remind yourself of your strengths.
6. CREATE A NEW ASSOCIATION
Remind yourself that the feeling and the moment will pass. Focus on the positive outcome of the situation rather than the scary in-between.
7. LOOK AT THE GLASS HALF FULL
Perception is very powerful, and how you feel about your situation dictates how you respond. So think positively, and you’ll give yourself a much better chance of success.
This won’t happen overnight; practice with just one thought. What is one recurring negative/fearful thought you have? Work on reversing this one thought. Over time, this will become a habit.
8. PRACTICE BREATHING EXERCISES
Breathing helps center your body and mind. Increasing studies support the positive effects of breathwork.
You can do a grounding exercise or even just take 5 deep, long breaths at any point to calm and center yourself. It is best to start your day with this, but feel free to practice all day long — no one will be the wiser, and you will be reaping all the benefits. 😉
A few of my favorites that I incorporate into daily practice include:
— Box Breathing
— 4-7-8 Breathing
— Lion’s Breath
COOL RESOURCE — You can find more breathing techniques here.
9. CREATE A SAFE SPACE
When you feel safe and secure, there is no room for fear. Find somewhere safe you can retreat to when ill feelings begin — whether this is a real place, such as your bedroom, or a place in your mind, such as the beach. This sense of comfort will soothe you and allow you the time and space to reflect and face your fear.
In the face of adversity, these strategies become lifelines. From separating reality from perception to practicing gratitude daily, each step offers a beacon of hope.
My mom’s journey reinforces the importance of creating a safe space — whether physical or mental — where one can find solace amidst life’s challenges.
Remember, these strategies serve as a starting point; not everything works for everyone. But this is a place to start exploring and finding what works best for you.
Start implementing these techniques into your life, and don’t let fear hold you back from reaching your goals and your highest potential this year!
To an intentional and purposeful year,
— Coach Monet 🌿
P.S. Are you ready to take the next step in your journey?
Now, more than ever, I am committed to helping each of you rise to your highest potential. If you find resonance in these words and wish to explore how these strategies can be tailored to your unique circumstances, I invite you to schedule a FREE Rise to Radiance Discovery Session with me now.
Together, let us confront our fears, find strength, and forge a path toward a brighter future. 🌟
Rise to Radiance Discovery Session
UPCOMING EVENTS
1. For those looking to get your SHRM-CP certification and would like some help, register here for a prep course through Cape Cod Community College.
2. Not ready yet or not looking for certification but want to expand your HR knowledge? Register here for the SHRM Essentials program through Cape Cod Community College to gain an overview of essential topics and issues within HR so you can more effectively manage the challenging issues and situations you are faced with on the job.
SPOTLIGHT: HR ROUND TABLE MEMBERSHIP
Are you yearning to be part of a community that gets it? The HR Round Table Membership is where the magic happens.
Join us here for a monthly dose of connection and wisdom.
Priced at $97/month, this membership offers an unparalleled value that’s more affordable than a typical coaching session or professional membership. With this membership, you gain:
— Professional Growth
— Community Support
— Personal Development
— Exclusive 1:1 Coaching, a value alone of $6,000+ 🚀
CONNECT WITH ME
Questions or just wanna chat? I’m all ears! Schedule a 30-minute Virtual Coffee Chat here or email me at SummitwaysHR@gmail.com.
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